Cycle Problems | Fertility | Pregnancy

If you are struggling to conceive naturally or have been told you have “unexplained infertility” Chinese medicine may offer a reason for the lack of conception.

Juli’s aim is to listen to you and support you throughout your journey. Acupuncture can be used to improve your chances of conceiving naturally or alongside assisted reproductive treatments.
She is happy to provide Acupuncture to both you and your partner, as a very supportive way to look after emotional and physical health. She has worked in conjunction with both Sheffield and Nottingham fertility units and supported many women on their individual journeys in different areas of the country.

In the last eight years, research has revealed that:

Acupuncture can increase blood flow to the reproductive organs, which dramatically improves a woman’s response to the hormonal therapy. The 1992 study showed that the conception rates rose to 42.5% compared to a non acupuncture control group that achieved a 26.5% success rate. Ongoing trials since have produced similar results. Their conclusion is Acupuncture creates one additional pregnancy for every 10 cycles of IVF performed.

Acupuncture has been shown to regulate hormone levels by moderating the release of beta-endorphin levels in the brain, which improves the release of gonadatrophin-releasing hormone by the hypothalamus, follicle-stimulating hormone from the pituitary gland, and estrogen and progesterone levels from the ovary.
Acupuncture reduces stress via a sympathetic nervous system response.
Acupuncture has been speculated to moderate cyclooxygenase and prostaglandin levels in the uterus, reducing uterine motility to improve implantation rates.

Acupuncture can be timed around your cycle or assisted reproductive schedule. Each session is individualised to fit your personal Chinese medical pattern. Juli recommends six weekly sessions followed by fortnightly sessions.

If you are aiming for natural fertility, her initial focus is to normalise menstrual cycles, reducing any pain and tension, and to regulate bleeding. She may suggest changes to diet and exercise.

With assisted reproduction: IVF IUI, having Acupuncture three months prior to starting an IVF cycle and having nine acupuncture sessions prior to the embryo transfer, significantly increases the pregnancy rate. It also helps with side effects of drugs and anxiety.

Acupuncture helps prepare the body and addresses any underlying issues so even when your Western Clinic has said we’re starting after your next cycle, leaving you less than the three months suggested here, Acupuncture is well worthwhile.

Acupuncture can be very useful within 24 hours of your embryo transfer and Juli will try and accommodate this, often offering a treatment on your return from having the transfer. This and Acupuncture sessions during the two week wait and into your first trimester to lower the possibility of miscarriages as research has shown that Acupuncture can prevent uterus contractions and aid implantation of the embryo into the uterus wall.

Please bring your drug regime with you at each session and details of any previous cycles at the first session.

“I contacted Juli after hearing that acupuncture can aid conception and also alleviate symptoms of stress. I had been trying to conceive for 2 years and was finding it difficult to cope with my mum’s illness on top of that. Two months later Juli has not only helped to reduce my symptoms of stress and introduce me to the wonders of meditation, I am now pregnant too. I will continue to see Juli whenever I feel things getting a little beyond me. Whatever she does with those needles, she does it wonderfully well!”

 Jo,  Broadstairs

“I started treatment with Juli just before my first round of IVF. I found the whole experience hugely beneficial and relaxing. I attribute her acupuncture to my subsequent   successful pregnancy and birth. I could not recommend her services highly enough.”

Anna, Broadstairs

“I came to see Juli after a prolonged period of trying to conceive without success.  I felt that I had tried everything and was losing hope.  Juli was very easy to build rapport and feel comfortable with.  She listened to what I had been through, and what I wanted to achieve.  We arranged a program and after my first session I cannot describe just how relaxed and refreshed I felt.  That night I had the best sleep I had had in a very long time, and as luck would have it my husband and I fell pregnant the following week.  I truly feel that my first session brought my body to a place of calm where falling pregnant became possible, I was overjoyed.  I continued to see Juli who helped me with my nausea and tiredness.  I know that I will see her again in the future, and cannot recommend her enough.”

Elaine, Sandwich